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A hard-fought FA Cup semifinal victory over rivals Leeds United turned out to be nothing more than a brief glimmer of hope for Chelsea, who are collapsing spectacularly as they limp toward the end of a deeply frustrating 2025–26 season.
Champions League football is now virtually out of reach for last season's Conference League champions. Six consecutive Premier League losses have left them ninth with only three fixtures to go. Perhaps a season away from European competition could do them some good, even as BlueCo rely heavily on UEFA's prize money to keep the club financially stable.
Stamford Bridge has turned hostile, and supporters making the trip to Anfield this weekend will undoubtedly voice their frustrations toward the ownership.
Chelsea could still sneak into Europe's top club competition, but there's a feeling that the Blues are simply playing for honor on Merseyside.
McFarlane Hopeful of Injury Returns
There was a degree of optimism ahead of Monday's clash with Nottingham Forest, as both Levi Colwill and Reece James were included among the substitutes. Colwill made his first appearance of the campaign, featuring throughout the entire second half, though James was not yet ready to return to the pitch.
With an additional five days of recovery time, Chelsea's skipper is surely in the frame for some minutes against Liverpool.
Calum McFarlane described the injuries that kept Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho out against Forest as mere "knocks," meaning both players are anticipated to be fit for Saturday's fixture. Jamie Gittens, who has been hampered by a hamstring problem for much of 2026, could also return to the matchday squad.
Estêvão continues to be sidelined with a serious hamstring complaint, while Robert Sánchez has been ruled out following his nasty head collision with Morgan Gibbs-White. The Forest player appeared to come off worse from the incident, but Sánchez was also forced off. Taking any risk at Anfield would be unwise.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
GK: Filip Jörgensen—After missing time through injury, Jörgensen was called off the bench against Forest following Sánchez's collision with Gibbs-White. The Danish goalkeeper will be thrust back into the starting XI while the Spaniard continues to recover.
RB: Malo Gusto—Chelsea's defensive display was dreadful last time out, with Gusto conceding a penalty that gifted Forest their second goal. He'll likely lose his spot once James is fully available, though that may not happen this weekend.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—McFarlane appears to have a fondness for the former Fulham man, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Tosin keep his place in the side.
CB: Levi Colwill—Chelsea have carefully managed Colwill's return to fitness, and his 45-minute outing on Monday suggests he may be ready for a bigger role at Anfield. The left-footed centre-back should improve the team's build-up play.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Cucurella would be a candidate for the drop if Chelsea possessed a genuine alternative. However, Jorrel Hato has rarely looked at ease at left back since his arrival at the club.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—The commanding version of Caicedo that impressed throughout 2025 has been conspicuously absent this year. One wonders whether his focus has already shifted to the upcoming World Cup.
DM: Andrey Santos—Santos was among the few players to emerge from the Liam Rosenior era with his reputation intact, and the time has come for McFarlane to restore the Brazilian to the starting lineup.
RM: Cole Palmer—The English midfielder continues to underwhelm for the Blues, struggling to make a meaningful impact from the right side.
AM: Enzo Fernández—He'll wear the captain's armband again until James is ready to step in, and should benefit from having attacking options around him in Chelsea's forward line.
LM: Pedro Neto—Neto may be no more than a decent option on the wing, but he at least offers energy and the ability to get in behind opposing defenses. McFarlane should also have the divisive Garnacho available as a backup option.
ST: João Pedro—If Chelsea are to find any form before the curtain falls on the season, João Pedro will be central to it. He netted a stunning overhead kick late against Forest, refusing to let his own levels drop even as those around him struggled.